On the day of Deepawali, and the night, when the whole of India is immersed deep in the festive spirit and worshipping goddess Laxmi, another festival and celebrations for it take place with as much spirit and joy. This festival is Kali Puja. Dedicated to the worship of the first of the ten incarnations of the goddess Durga, Kali, the festival falls in the month of October or November, and is celebrated on the new moon night of Kartik Amavasya in the Hindu month of Ashwin, according to the Bengali calendar. Although the festival is more ornately celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam; devotees of Goddess Kali from across the country perform the puja in their own ways. It's believed that worshipping Goddess Kali frees one from the evil, both within and the world outside. For this reason, many a believers, together, seek blessings from the Goddess on this day.
Devotees from all over, specifically Bengalis, Oriyas, and Assamese set up idols and images and idols of Goddess Kali, along with those of Lord Shiva's at their homes and pandals. Also, in numerous temples and shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali, the celebrations and the ritual takes place, throughout the night till dawn. It is prescribed for the worshipper to carry on the puja from night till morning, by continuously reciting the mantra. Before the puja commences and till the time it goes on; firecrackers, magic shows, and theatre goes on for the people to engage in. Sights of devotees' homes, pandals, and temples adorned with eye pleasing decorations are common. Lights, candles, and diyas; can also be commonly seen on and around this day. Read this section to learn more about the various aspects related to one of the most popular of Goddess worship festivals in Bengal.
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